Method and apparatus for retrieving coded information on film

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises a method and apparatus for retrieving coded information recorded on film and includes a film transport means for driving the film at a relatively high velocity, means for programming a selected code variation for comparison with the code variations on the film, and means for stopping the film on the information relating to the programmed code variations.

United States Patent :19]

Volk et a1.

' 51 Jan. 2, 1973 54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETRIEVING CODEDINFORMATION N FILM [75] Inventors: Joseph A. Volk; Joseph A. Volk, Jr.,

both of St. Louis, Mo.

[73] Assignee: Beta Corporation, St. Louis, Mo.

[22] Filed: July 29, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 59,277

521 U.S.Cl. ..250/219 DR, 356/71,242/75, 242/52, 353/26 51 Int. Cl...G08c 9/06 [58] Field of Search ..250/219 D, 219 DF, 219 FR; 242/7552;340/174.l A, 174.1 C; 226/33;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,581,964 6/1971 Betron etal ..226/33 2,295,000 9/1942 Morse ..250/219 FR X 3,323,700 6/1967Epstein et a1 ..250/219 DR X 3,354,367 2/1971 Wanner et al. ..226/333,562,494 2/1971 Schmidt ..250/219 C X 3,322,961 5/1967 Harrison et al...250/219 DR 3,290,987 12/1966 James et a]. ..356/71 X PrimaryExaminer-Walter Stolwein Attorney-Rogers, Ezell, Eilers & Robbins [5 7]ABSTRACT Claims, 13 Drawing Figures p 0 g/ECUIT BRA E CL LH TA E- CguTcFutdokm r |oraAe*\ 4 4 0 FULLJDRAGIFULLIDRAG CONTROL PA us 1. 52 1 M0053M L o 6 1c 55L ECT/ON) QRgu/r 49 i 1 H 6 H6 5 02 7- PR/NTEK TA I 6/ cu:T i

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PATENTEDJAN 2191a SHEET 1 BF 7 JOSEPH A Vo K JOSEPH A. voL K,JR.

FMENTEDJAH 2 ms SHEET 2 OF 7 9 88 g 6 3 X 6 5 2 0 4 R 7 4 E WC 3 W 9 6 X5 2 0 R 5 7 4 70.1 7 6 9 6 3 X O 8 5 2 O R 7 4 C m g 6 5 3 X 8 2A 7 4 E7 6 w m m 4 MR R 5 9 6 P 2 9 T E 9 /7. M A P F S 7. r E 3 9/ 5 M. A F 5[Ma M .0 H E M R L 0 .l A J /9 m 9 5 9 II.

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INVENTORS:

JOSEPH Amour, JOSEPH AJ/OLK JE BY la 5 12,6114 v nrToEWEYS PATENTEU JAN2 I973 SHEET 6 0F 7 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETRIEVING CODEDINFORMATION ON FILM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Because of the greatquantities of written and printed materials generated, the availabilityof storage space for these materials has become increasingly critical.The result has been great demand for a system of recording documents(those which must be saved) on film such as microfilm. Because microfilmrequires so little space for storage, hundreds of times the number ofdocuments can be stored on microfilm in the same space as previouslyused to store the original documents.

However, just as important as the microfilm technique for storing thesedocuments is the ability' to quickly and accurately retrieve the storedinformation. For example, where documents comprise large sets ofstatistical data it is desirable to classify and code these documents.

Coded microfilm is old in the art. An example is a roll of 16 millimetermicrofilm with a set of documents recorded thereon. The documents mightbe related or unrelated. Before each document or series of documents isprinted a coded field, which as will be seen, is related to theinformation contained in the document or series of documents thatimmediately follow, and is used as a means for document selection.

These rolls of microfilm are packaged in cartridges, and are run througha machine at a relatively high rate of speed (approximately 125 inch persecond). In operation, the operator of the machine first selects from acode index the code of interest. The machine has a control panel onwhich the operator enters the selected code. By then pressing theappropriate mode switch, the machine will search the roll of microfilmat approximately 125 inch per second and eventually stop on the firstdocument identified with the programmed code. Means are provided forprojecting the document onto a view screen and for making a print of thedocument. The machine can then be made to continue its search forfurther documents pertaining to that same code or a different code. Sucha machine can be made to handle thousands of code variations andrandomly select all documents pertaining to each variation. Such amachine is commonly referred to as a random access machine.

One of the great problems found in the prior art machines, due primarilyto their random access capability and their high film speed, is theirinability to recognize a particular code and stop on the next document.This problem is most easily visualized when it is realized that thedistance between a particular code column and its first associateddocument might be only about it; of an inch. None of the prior artmachines have the capability of recognizing the code column that matchesthe programmed code and immediately stopping the film which is travelingat approximately 125 inch per second on the next document which might beonly a inch away. As a result, the prior art devices either do not havethe random access capability or have ment, clocking the distance pastthe document the film travels and placing the machine in low speedreverse to back up the appropriate distance to the document. Of course,the disadvantage to this system is that it requires several additionalseconds to find the document. Where the operator is interested inseveral documents, or where he must search several rolls of microfilm,these few seconds add up to a substantial time loss.

Therefore, it would be far superior to have a system that can recognizea code column and immediately stop at the next document without havingto overrun the document and then back up to it. This invention providessuch a system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system of this invention provides thecapability of searching a roll of film on which certain codedinformation has been recorded in the form of document images, andrandomly selecting those document images pertaining to a particular codevariation. Before each document image or series of document images arecode means having one or more code variations relating to the image orseries of images that immediately follow. A film transport system drivesthe film at high speed (approximately -150 inches per second) past adocument window. Means are provided for reading the code variations onthe film as it travels in this high speed condition. This codeinformation is fed into an exclusive comparator means.

Also provided is a means for programming a preselected code variationinto the exclusive comparator means for storage and comparison with thecode variations on the film. When the exclusive comparator meansrecognizes correspondence between the programmed code variation and acode variation on the film, the film speed is immediately reduced to arelatively low value after which the film is made to stop with the nextdocument centered in the document window. This slowing of the film, isaccomplished by generating a relatively narrow-high voltage pulse whensuch correspondence is obtained, and by applying this pulse to brake thetransport means. This narrow-high voltage pulse produces extreme brakingaction for a very short time which instantaneously slows the film to amuch-reduced speed whereupon it can be stopped on the next documentwithout overrunning the document.

Means are also provided for controlling the speed of the film to withinpreselected limits by sensing the film speed and disengaging the filmdrive means when the film speed becomes excessive. In addition, themachine of this invention is provided with a variety of modes, bothautomatic and manual. These are used for a variety of purposes in thefilm searching sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical film to be searched by the system of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of the system of this inventionincluding the essential features of the film transport system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical code column and timing mark used for codingthe film of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical control panel for the system of thisinvention;

FIGS. 5 5C are block diagrams of the general logic circuitry of thisinvention;

FIG. 6 is a chart showing the brake and clutch conditions of the feedreel, capstan and take-up reel for the various system modes;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the film speed sensing device of thisinvention;

FIG. '9 is a schematic diagram of the high voltage brake pulser of thisinvention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the film motion integrator of thisinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

Before describing the invention in detail, it will be helpful todescribe generally how the machine operates. The machine is designed toread microfilm such as that shown in FIG. 1. The microfilm has recordedon it certain documents, 10, l1,12,l3,14, and 15, which have beenarranged in a preselected manner, each document or series of documentsbeing preceded by one or more code columns. The documents 10,11, and 12are preceded by code columns 16,17, and 18; the documents 13 and 14 bycode columns 19 and 20; and the document 15 by code columns 21, 22 and23. There can be any number of code columns 'preceeding any number ofdocuments. Beneath each of the code columns is a timing mark 25, andbeneath each document is a document mark 26. The document marks 26 areover twice as wide as the timing marks 25. The purposes of the timingand document marks will be hereinafter described.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the mechanical features of themachine in schematic form together with a very general block diagram ofthe system. As shown, there is a feed spool 27 containing the roll to besearched and having associated therewith a magazine lock 28 for holdingthe magazine on the spool. The film 29 is fed past a capstan 30 andpinch roller 31, through a film guide 33, and past a document window 34.The film 28 then feeds past a guide roller and guide bar 36, and onto atake-up reel 37. Positioned only about 1% inch from the center of thedocument window 34 is a photocell array 38, and positioned approximatelyin the center of the document window 34 and in alignment with thedocument marks 26 on the film 29 are two center cells 39. Positioned infront of the document window 34 is a projection lamp for projecting theimage of a selected film frame onto a mirror 41 for projection onto aviewing screen and/or printing paper (not shown). Suitable optics 42 arealso provided for this purpose. A motor 43 is provided for driving thefeed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37, in either the forward orreverse direction, and in either high or low speed. In high speed thefilm 29 travels approximately 125 inch per second, while in low speed ittravels approximately 2-4 inches per second. The feed reel 27, capstan30, take-up reel 37, motor 43, and film guides 33 and 35 are generallyreferred to as the film transport system.

Each of the feed reel 27 capstan 30, and take-up reel 37 is providedwith a clutch and a brake assembly which are referred to generally inthe blocks shown in FIG. 2. These components are not described in detailas they are standard items, but each is an electromagnetic deviceoperated by the application of a specified voltage on their respectivecoils. Hence, the feed reel 27 has a brake and clutch assembly 44, thecapstan 30 a brake and clutch assembly 45, and the take-up reel 37 abrake and clutch assembly 46.

In the case of the capstan 30, the brake and clutch can each only beapplied in full or not at all; however, the brakes and clutches of thefeed reel 27 and the take-up reel 37 can be applied in full, in a dragcondition, or not at all. Hence, the feed reel, capstan and take-up reelcan have various combinations of braking and clutching as the situationrequires. As will be seen, this depends on whether the system is inforward or reverse and whether it is in a low speed, high speed or stopcondition.

The system is provided with a control panel 47 for selecting the desiredmode and code conditions. Signals from the control panel are transmittedto a logic circuit 48 which includes an exclusive comparator circuit forcomparing the code selection with the code columns on the microfilm 29.The code columns on the microfilm are read by the photocell array 38.Where a match occurs between the selected code from the control panel47, and a code on the microfilm 29, the exclusive comparator circuitgenerates a HIT signal, which signal is used among other things, totrigger a high voltage brake pulser 49. This circuit in turn, generatesa high voltage signal for only a small fraction of a second which isapplied to the brake coils of the feed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-upreel 37. It is this high voltage pulse which so quickly applies thebrakes to kill the inertia in the system allowing the film to stop onthe next document. This will be described in more detail below. Thelogic circuit performs many other functions which will also be describedin more detail below. For example, in certain modes it will trigger aprint circuit 50 which will cause operation ofa printer 51.. It alsoselects the proper combination of feed reel, capstan, and takeup reelclutching and braking corresponding to its mode and code selectioninputs. These operations are shown in the block diagram of FIGS. 5through 5C.

Because a feature of this invention is to stop the film on the nextdocument after obtaining a HIT signal, it is necessary to prevent thefilm speed from running away or becoming too fast. Because the diameterof the film roll increases as film is collected on the take-up reel, thefilm speed will increase. If the speed becomes too great it becomesimpossible to stop the film on the next document. In other words, thedocument will run past the document window 34. To prevent this, a speedcontrol circuit 52 is included for controlling the film speed. As willbe seen, this is accomplished by sensing the rotational speed of thecapstan 30, and controllingthe application of the clutch on the take-upreel 37. By controlling the engagement of the clutch, the speed of thetake-up reel 37 can be controlled and,-hence, the speed of the film 29.

A description of the code programming and mode selection follows. InFIG. 3 there is shown an enlarged view of a typical code column like thecode columns 16-23 shown on the film strip of FIG. 1. As can be seen,each code column has 14 bits, 53-66. These bits will be described fromthe top down. The top bit 53 is called the parity bit which is not usedin the system of I this invention. The next bit 54 is the utility bit,the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The remaining 12bits 55-66, are divided into three, fourbit groups, 67,68, and 69. Thefirst group 67 being the units group, the second group 68, the tensgroup, and the third group 69, the hundreds group. The four bits in eachgroup, moving from top to bottom, represent in order, the numbers 1,2,4,and 8. Hence, the units group 67 has four bits 55-58 representing thenumbers 1,2,4, and 8; the tens group 68 has four bits 59-62 representingthe numbers 1,2,4, and 8 and the hundreds group 69 has four bits 63-66representing the numbers 1,2,4, and 8. This system is commonly known inthe art.

The code bits within any one of the groups 67,68 and 69 can be combinedto represent any number between zero and 15. Using the units group 67 asan example, the bits 55 and 56 can be combined to represent a 3; thebits 56 and 57 can be combined to represent a 6; the bits 55 and 58 canbe combined to represent a 9; and so on, to obtain any number betweenzero and 15. The same, of course, can be done with the tens group 68 andthe hundreds group 69. As will be seen, only the bits representing thenumbers zero through 9 in each of the groups are used for code selectionpurposes. The number is used, however, to recognize the beginning andending of a film roll as will be described. By limiting the usablenumbers to 0 9, in each of the groups, any number between 0 and 999 canbe represented on each of the code columns.

The variations in code are obtained by blacking out appropriate bits.Examples of code variations are shown in the various code columns inFIG. I. For example, assuming negative film, the code column 16represents the number 854, and the code column 17 the number 667. Ifassuming positive film, the code column 19 represents the number 734,and the code column 20 the number 952. A switch (not shown) is providedto select the type of film being read i.e. positive or negative film. Byusing or not using the utility bit 54, the number of code variations inone code column is effectively doubled. As previously stated, the paritybit 53 is not used.

In FIG. 4 there is shown a portion of a control panel 70 used in thisinvention. The panel 70 includes a code selection section 71 and a modeselection section 72. The code section 71 is comprised of four sets ofcode buttons, 73, 74, 75, and 76. Each of the code button sections hasbuttons corresponding to the numbers 0 9, a Clear button, and an Xbutton. The buttons labeled 0 9 in each of the button sectionscorrespond to the code variations 0 9 in each of the units, tens, andhundreds sections 67,68, and 69 of the code columns.

Each button set has a corresponding column selector. The button set 73has a column selector 77, the button set 74 has a column selector 78,the button set 75 has a column selector 79, and the button set 76 has acolumn selector 80. Each of the column selectors 77- 80 has switches 81and 82 which can be set to read any number between zero and 99. Each ofthe switches 81 and 82 can also be set to read an X. As will behereinafter described an X means any number between, zero and 9. Eachcolumn selector also has a third switch 83, for selection of the utilitybit 54. The switch 83 is a two-position switch with the symbol Ydesignating the use of the utility bit and the symbol N non-use of theutility bit. The switches 81,82, and 83 are set with appropriate knobs84. The purpose for the column selectors 77-80 will be hereinafterdescribed.

Each button set 73-76 also has a corresponding code selection indicator.The button set 73 has a code selection indicator 85; the button set 74has a code selection indicator 86; the button set has a code selectionindicator 87, and the button set 76 has a code selection indicator 88.The three-digit numbers programmed in the button sections 73-76 willappear in the indicators -88, respectively.

Any number between zero and 999 can be programmed in each of the buttonsections. Using button section 73 as an example, suppose the operatordesires to program the code number 385 without the utility bit 54. Hepushes the 3 button in that button section which programs a 3 in thehundreds column of the exclusive comparator circuit. He then pushes the8 button which programs an 8 in the tens column of the exclusivecomparator circuit. He then pushes the 5 button which programs a 5 inthe units column of the exclusive comparator circuit. The buttons arespring loaded so that they will automatically release after pushed. Thenumerals 385 will appear in the selection indicator 85 to indicate thatthe desired code has been programmed. The exclusive comparator circuitsreceive the information from the memory unit of the keyboard whichstores the programmed code for comparison with the code columns on thefilm. The operator then sets the switches 81 and 82 of the columnselector 77 to indicate the code column at which he desires to recognizethe programmed code. In this regard it must be remembered that there canbe any number of code columns before a document or set of documents. Forexample, there could be 83 code columns before a single document. Thiswould occur, for example, where the document contains informationrelating to each of 83 different code variations. However, the operatormay be interested in that document only if the 28th code columncorresponds to his programmed code. If this is true, he will enter thenumber 28 in the column selector. He will also program non-use of theutility bit 54 by setting the switch 83 to the N position. With themachine so programmed, a HIT will be generated, and, hence, a documentselected, only where a 28th code column before any document or set ofdocuments contains the code variation corresponding to the programmedcode 385 without the utility bit. The switches 81 and 82 can be set torecognize any code column from 1 to 99 or any of several code columns byusing an X setting. Hence, with the switch 81 set to designate column Xand the switch 82 set to designate column 3, the machine would recognizeany of columns 3,l3,23,33,43, 53,63,73,83, and 93. If both switches 81and 82 are set to the X positions, the machine will recognize any columnwhere correspondence occurs.

The other button sections 74-76 operate in the same manner; however,button section 76 has an additional capability. This button section hasa three-position switch 89 which by selecting the appropriate positionwill allow the machine to recognize only the programmed code, all codesless than the programmed code, or all codes greater than the programmedcode. A switch (not shown) is also provided to select all keyboards fora match or any keyboard for a match to produce a HIT signal. If theoperator programs all four button sections and their correspondingcolumn selectors, code variations in the billions can be obtained.Obviously, very precise information can be retrieved by using all foursections.

By way of example, to illustrate the technique, supposing the personnelmanager of a company wants copies of personnel records for all employeeswho have the name John P. Jones, are foot IOinches tall, weight 165lbs., and are 35 years of age, This information might be coded asfollows: John P. Jones might have a code 385; the 3 corresponding toJohn, the 8 corresponding to P., and the 5 corresponding to Jones. Hisheight, 5 foot l0inches, might be coded as 510. His weight, 165 lbs.,might be coded 165, and his age, 35, might be coded 35. The operatorwould program 385 into the first button section 73, 510 into the secondbutton section 74, 165 into the third button section 75, and 035 intothe fourth button section 76. These numbers will appear in theindicators 85-88, respectively. For the purpose of this example, assumethat the code columns where the corresponding code variations is foundmake no difference. Since this is true, the switches 81 and 82 of eachof the column selectors 77-80 would be set to read XX." Also, since heis interested in those only at an age of 35, he would set the positionswitch 89 to the equal position. The panel is now programmed to retrievethe information he desires. Supposing, however, he is interested in thesameinformation except that instead of those at an age of 35 he isinterested in all of those at an age less than 35. This information isretrieved by simply setting the position switch 89 to the less thanposition. If he is interested in those at an age over 35 he would setthe switch 89 to the greater than position.

Each of the button sections has an X button (the X again meaning any)which can be used in place of the units, tens and hundreds digits asdesired to mean any number between 0 and 9. Again, using button section73 as an example, if the code number X21 is programmed into the machine,the machine will recognize any code column having one of the codecombinations 021,121,221, 32l,421,521,621,721,821, and 921. Toillustrate a particular use for the X button, again consider theinformation desired by the personnel manager. Supposing instead of onlyJohn P. Jones, he is interested in all John Jones. Instead of using thecode 385 as before, he would program the code 3x5. The X meaning anyJohn X" Jones.

All of the buttons and switches thus far described send signals to theexclusive comparator circuit where they are stored and used to recognizethe correspondence or lack of correspondence between the storedinformation and the code variation on the microfilm code columns. Onlywhere correspondence occurs is a HIT signal generated by the exclusivecomparator circuit and only then will the machine automatically stop ona document. On each of the button sections 73-76 is a clear button whichwhen pushed generates a signal to the exclusive comparator circuit toclear the stored information so that a different code variation can beprogrammed.

With the machine programmed it is necessary to transport the filmthrough the machine. This can be accomplished by selecting theappropriate operating mode from the mode selection section 72 of thecontrol panel 70. For a better understanding of the detailed descriptionof the logic circuitry, the operation of the machine will be generallydescribed in each of the mode settings.

To operate the transport system a film cartridge is placed on the feedreel 27. With the cartridge in place, a switch (not shown) beneath thecartridge is automatically set to start operation of the transportsystem. The system goes into low speed forward, threading the filmthrough the film guide 33 and onto the take-up reel 37. This operationcontinues until the first document mark 26 on the film 29 is recognizedby the center cells 39. When this occurs the film automatically stopswith the first document centered in the document window 34.

With the machine programmed, the object is to search the entire roll offilm for code variations in the code columns corresponding to theprogrammed code. To accomplish this the operation presses a searchbutton which generates a signal to place the machine in high speedforward. In this mode the film speed is approximately l25-l50 inches persecond. If a HIT is obtained the high voltage brake-pulser 49 generatesa relatively narrow, but high voltage pulse to apply full brake to thefeed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37. The machine will then gointo low speed forward and stop at the next document. From the time theHIT signal is obtained to the time the machine stops on the nextdocument, the film may travel as little as of an inch.

With the machine stopped on the first document after a HIT signal isobtained, the document positioned in the document window 34 is projectedby the projection lamp 40 onto a view screen (not shown). A print button91 is provided, which when pushed will operate the printer 51 forproviding a print of the document.

There may be a series of documents following the code field where theHIT was obtained, rather than just one. If this is true, the operatormay wish to view and/or print each of the documents in the series. Toaccomplish this he pushes a 1 button 92, which generates a signal tomove the film in low speed forward to the next document in the series.Again, he can view and/or print the document. This operation can becontinued by simply pressing and releasing the 1 button 92. If he wishesto look again at a document in the series which he has already viewed,he pushes and releases a l-" button 93, causing the film to move in lowspeed reverse to the next document. If either of the I buttons is pushedand held, a series of signals will be generated which will move themicrofilm in low speed in either the forward or reverse direction(depending on which 1 button is pushed), to stop on the next documentfor approximately 1 k seconds and then automatically move on to the nextdocument and so on, until either the 1 button is released, or there areno more documents in the series. The operator can go back into thesearch mode at any time by pressing the search button 90.

Also provided in the mode selection section is a pair of spaced buttons94 and 95, which when pressed, will generate a signal to drive the filmin low speed and in small increments, these increments being a smallfraction of the distance between documents. The space button 94 willmove the microfilm in small increments in the forward direction and thespace button 95 will move the microfilm in small increments in thereverse direction. These buttons are particularly useful in centeringthe documents in the document window 34 should the need arise.

A pair of fast buttons 96 and 97 are also provided, which, while pressedgenerate signals that drive the film 29 at high speed in either theforward or reverse direction. Hence, the fast button 96 while pressed,generates a signal that drives the film 29 in high speed forward, andthe fast button 97while pressed drives the film in high speed reverse.These buttons are used, for example, where the operator wishes toquickly advance or rewind the film a specified amount.

An auto-print button 98 is used in conjunction with the search button 90to generate a signal placing the machine in an automatic print mode. Inthis mode the machine will automatically print any document on which themachine stops. At the completion of the print it will cause the machineto drive the film in low speed forward to the next document where aprint will automatically be made of that document. This will continueuntil there are no more documents in the series. At the end of theseries the machine again moves into the high speed forward in search offurther code correspondence. If another HIT is generated, the documentsin the series to follow (if there be a series) will again beautomatically printed in succession. This will continue until entireroll of film is searched. The autoprint mode in effect, relieves theoperator from having to use the print and l buttons to make prints of aseries of documents.

In the search mode, the machine of this invention searches through theentire roll of film, stopping on a document whenever a HIT signal isgenerated. The search for these documents is made at high speed. Afterthe entire roll has been searched the machine will recognize the'end ofthe film and automatically go into 7 high speed reverse or rewind. Themachine will then recognize the beginning of the film, automaticallyreverse direction into low speed forward and proceed to the firstdocument whereupon it again stops. In other words, by pushing the searchbutton, the machine will search through the film, automatically go intohigh speed reverse at the end of the film, automatically go into lowspeed forward at the beginning of the film, and stop at the firstdocument.

The machine will not unload the film by pressing the search button. Inorder to unload the film, an unload button 99 is provided which, whenpushed generates a signal to cause the film to be wound entirely on thefilm cartridge after the rewind operation. A sensor recognizes when thefilm is completely rewound and a signal is generated to automaticallyeject the film cartridge from the feed reel 27.

A rewind button 100 is provided which, when pushed will cause themachine to rewind the film 29 from any position in the roll back to thefirst document. The rewind mode would be used where the operator is onlya portion of a way through the film, but wishes to return to the firstdocument without having to first go to the end of the roll.

A stop button, 101, will, when pushed, cause full brake to be applied tothe fed reel 27, the capstan 30, and the take-up reel 37 toinstantaneously stop the machine regardless of the mode in which it isoperating.

With this general understanding of the operation and performance of themachine, a detailed description of the logic circuitry follows.

Viewing FIGS. 5 5C as one figure there is shown a more detailed blockdiagram of this invention. On the left of the figure are a series ofblocks aligned vertically which correspond to the mode selectionswitches -101 shown in FIG. 4. On the upper right of the Figure areblocks representing the brake and clutch assemblies 44,45, and 46 of thefeed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37 similar to those shown inFIG. 2. The clutch and brake of the feed and take-up reels 27 and 37 canbe applied in full or drag as heretofore described. Conductors go toeach clutch and brake section and it is to be understood that a signalon a particular conductor means that the clutch or brake is operatedaccordingly. Hence, if a signal appears on the conductor going to thedrag clutch section of the feed reel block 44 it is to be understoodthat a drag clutch is applied to the feed reel 27 and so on. Locatedgenerally in the center of the Figure are blocks representing the cellarray 38, which, as previously explained, is located just to the feedreel side of the document window 34, an exclusive comparator circuit104, and the code selection circuit 71 that corresponds to the codeselection section 71 of the control panel 70. Located on the right ofthe Figure are the capstan motion monostable multivibrator 105, filmmotion integrator 106, and high voltage brake pulser 107. These lastthree circuits represent important features of this invention. Thefunctions of these and the other blocks shown in FIGS. 5 5C will bedescribed as the detailed description progresses.

FIG. 6 shows a chart giving the condition of the brakes and clutches ofthe feed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37 for each modecondition. As the chart shows when the machine is in high speed forward,the feed reel 27 has no clutch and drag brake, the capstan 30 has noclutch and no brake, and the take-up reel 37 has full clutch and nobrake. In low speed forward the feed, reel 27 has no clutch and dragbrake, the capstan 30 has full clutch and no brake, and the take-up reel37 has drag clutch and no brake. In the stop mode each of thefeed reel27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37 has no clutch and 'full brake. Inlow speed reverse the feed reel 27 has drag clutch and no brake, thecapstan 30 has full clutch and no brake, and the take-up reel 37 has noclutch and drag brake. In high speed reverse the feed reel27 has fullclutch and no brake, the capstan 30 has no clutch and no brake, and thetake-up reel 37 has no clutch and drag brake. These clutch and brakecombinations have been found best for controlling the film in each ofthe mode conditions.

LOADING When a film cartridge is inserted into the feed reel 30 amagazine insert switch is automatically depressed. The depression of theswitch 110 sends a signal in a conductor 112 to an auto-load sequenceinitiator 113. The auto-load sequence initiator 113 in turn, generates asignal which is fed through an output conductor 114, a conductor 115, aconductor 116, an

. OR gate 1 17, and a conductor 1 18 to the forward input of a flip-flop120. The flip-flop has a forward condition and a reverse condition.Whenever a signal is present on the conductor 118 the flip-flop 120 isplaced in its forward condition. The flip-flop 120 controls thedirection of rotation of the motor 43, and hence, direction of travel ofthe film 29. With the flip-flop 120 in the forward condition the signalis fed through a conductor 121 and a conductor 132 to the input a of anAND gate 133. The signal on the conductor 115 is also fed through aconductor 134, a conductor 135, an OR gate 136, and a conductor 137 tothe low speedinput of a flip-flop 138. The flip-flop 138 has a low speedcondition and a high speed condition. Where a signal appears on theconductor 137 the flip-flop 138 is placed in the low speed condition. Itis the flip-flop 138 that controls the film speed. With the flip-flop138 in the low speed condition a signal is fed through a conductor 139,a conductor 140, and a conductor 141 to the b input of an AND gate 133.The signal on the conductor 139 is also fed through a conductor 142 tothe input a of an AND gate 143. The signal on the conductor 134 is alsofed through a conductor 144, an OR gate 145, and a conductor 146 to theclear input of a stop circuit 150. Hence, anytime a signal appears onthe conductor 146, the stop circuit 150 will be cleared. As will behereinafter described, the stop circuit has another input conductor 151.Whenever a signal appears on the conductor 151 the stop circuit 150generates an output signal that applies full brake to each of the feedreel 27, capstan 30, .and take-up reel 37, as will be hereinafterdescribed, Whenever the transport system is to be set in motion, thesebrakes must be released, and to do that the stop circuit 150 must becleared.

At this point it should be mentioned that some of the inputs to some ofthe AND gates have a small Wherever this 0" occurs it signifies a NOT.It is the equivalent to an inverter.

The output of the stop circuit 150 is connected by an output conductor152, aconductor 153, a conductor 154, and a conductor 155 to theinverted input c of the AND gate 133. The only way the conductor 155 canreceive a signal is from the stop circuit 150 through the conductors152, 153, and 154. Because the stop circuit 150 has been cleared by thesignal on the conductor 146, there is no signal on the conductor 155.With signals at inputs a and b and no signal on the inverted input c ofthe AND gate 133, the AND gate 133 is enabled with an output signalbeing fed through a conductor 157, an OR gate 158, and a conductor 159to apply drag brake to the freed reel 30. The signal on the conductor157 is fed through a conductor 160, a conductor 161, an OR gate 162, anda conductor 163 to apply clutch to the capstan 30. The signal on theconductor 160 is also fed througha conductor 164 to apply drag clutch tothe take-up reel 37.

The signal on the output conductor 114 of the sequence initiator 113 isalso fed through a conductor 167 to trigger a feed spool pulser 168. Thefeed spool pulser 168 is a circuit that when triggered generates aseries of short pulses spaced approximately '15 of a second apart. Theseoutput pulses are fed through a conductor 169, an OR gate 170, and aconductor 171 to apply full clutch to the feed reel 27 for the length oftime of each pulse, The result of the pulse input to the clutch of thefeed reel 30 is to cause the feed reel to turn approximately 45 eachtime it receives a pulse.

At this point the magazine cartridge is in the feed reel 27, the filmtransport system is in low speed forward, the feed reel 27 has appliedto it a drag brake and a pulsating full clutch causing the feed reel toturn in approximately 45 increments spaced about A of a second apart.The capstan clutch is being applied, and the drag clutch of the take-upreel is being applied. As the feed reel 27 rotates in 45 increments, theleader will come out of the film cartridge and engage the capstan 30.The capstan having picked up the film leader feeds it through the filmgate 33 and finally into engagement with the take-up reel 37. As soon asthe takeup reel 37 engages the leader it will act to pull the filmthrough the film gate 33 in low speed causing the feed reel to rotatesmoothly and not in 45 increments.

As previously stated, once the machine is loaded and the film is movingin low speed forward, it is to stop at the first document. This isaccomplished by a signal from the center cells 39 which are comprised oftwo photocells each approximately the size of a timing mark 25 andlocated at or near the center of the document window 34 and aligned withthe document marks 26. The photocells are spaced apart so that they canboth be covered by a single document mark 26, but not by the timingmarks 25. The centercells 39 are shown in block form at the top of FIG.5. Whenever both cells are covered, that is, whenever a document markbecomes aligned with the cells, a signal will be fed through an outputconductor 172 to the b input of the AND gate 143. As previously stated,the film is stopped only when it is traveling in low speed. This is trueeven in the high speed-search mode as will be explained. For this reasonthe AND gate 143 will not be enabled unless there is also a signal atits input a. Such a signal is present when the machine is in low speedas heretofore described. With signals on both inputs a and b, to the ANDgate 143, a signal will be fed through a conductor 173, an OR gate 174,and the conductor 151 to the stop circuit 150. With the stop circuitenabled a signal will be fed through the conductors 152, 153, 154 and tothe inverted input 0 of the AND gate 133. This will disable the AND gate133 removing the signal on the conductor 157, disengaging the drag braketo the feed reel 27, the clutch to the capstan 30, and drag clutch tothe take-up reel 37. The signal on the conductor 152 is also fed througha conductor 175, a conductor 176, an OR gate 177, and a conductor 178 toapply full brake to the feedreel 27. The signal on the conductor is alsofed through a conductor 179, a conductor 180, an OR gate 181, and aconductor 182 to apply brake to the capstan 30. The signal on theconductor 179 is also fed through a conductor 183, an OR gate 184, and aconductor 185 to apply full brake to the take-up reel 37. Therefore,whenever the stop circuit 150 is enabled all previously applied signalsare removed from the feed reel 27, the capstan 30 and take-up reel 37and full I brake applied to each. The machine has now recognized thefirst document in the roll and has stopped on that document.

CODE PROGRAMMING With the machine stopped on the first document theoperator enters the desired code onto the code selection section 71 ofthe control panel 70. This includes information entered in the buttonsections 73-76,

column selectors 77-80, and the switch 89. The code information is fedfrom the code selection section 71 through a cable 190 to the exclusivecomparator circuit 104. The exclusive comparator circuit 104 compareseach code bit read from the film with the code bit information stored inthe keyboard memory.

As previously explained, there is a 16 bit cell array 38 located just tothe feed reel side of the document window 34. The cell array 38 includesa vertical series of 14 photocells aligned with the bits 53-66 on eachcode column. Two additional photocells are positioned side by side atthe bottom of the vertical series in alignment with the timing marks'25.These two photocells are very similar to the photocells of thecentercells 39 used to position the documents in the document window 34.Their purpose, however, is torecognize when the machine is in a seriesof documents (document field) or a series of code columns (code field).Such recognition capability is necessary especially during theauto-print mode. In this mode, the machine must print a series ofdocuments, one after the other, and upon completing the series, go intohigh speed search. It can only do this by recognizing the end of thedocument field and the beginning of the next code field. Hence, thereare a total of 16 photocells in the cell array 38.

SEARCH Now that the code has been entered, the film can be searched fordocuments corresponding to the programmed code. To accomplish this, thesearch button 90 is pressed and released. This sends a strobe through aconductor 191 to a search command circuit 192. The search commandcircuit 192 is a flip-flop having outputs a and b. When triggered by thesignal on'the conductor 191 a single pulse isgenerated at the output awhich is fed through an output conductor 193, a conductor 194, the ORgate 145, and the conductor 146 to clear the stop circuit 150. Thisremoves the brake signals on the feed reel 27, capstan 30, and take-upreel 37 as heretofore described. The pulse on the output conductor 193is also fedthrough a conductor 195, a conductor 196, an OR gate 197, anda conductor 198 to the high speed input of the flip-flop 138, placingthe flip-flop 138 in the high speed condition. With the flip flop 138 inhigh speed condition, a signal is fed through a conductor 199 and aconductor 200 to the input b of an AND gate 201. The signal on theconductor 195 is also fed through a conductor 202, the OR gate 1 17, andthe conductor 118 to the forward input of the flip-flop 120, placing theflip-flop 120 in its forward condition. With the flip-flop 120 in itsforward condition, a signal is fed through the conductor 121 and aconductor 205 to the input a of the AND gate 201. The AND gate 201 alsohas an inverted input c which is connected by a conductor 207 and aconductor 208 to the conductor 153. The AND gate 201 is enabled onlywhen there is no signal on the conductors 207 and 208 and this occursonly when the stop circuit 150 is cleared. With the stop circuit 150cleared, asv it is now, each of the inputs a,b, and c of the AND gate201 is enabled causing a signal to be fed through a conductor 210, aconductor 211, the OR gate 158 and the conductor 159 to apply drag braketo the feed reel 27. The signal on the output conductor 210 will also befed through a conductor 212 to the input a of an AND gate 213. The ANDgate 213 has an input b which is connected to the speed controlmultivibrator to be hereinafter described. At the present it is enoughto understand that as long as the speed of the film in the high speedcondition is within prescribed limits, there will usually be a signal atthe input b of the AND gate 213. With signals at each of the inputs aand b of the AND gate 213, a signal will be fed through a conductor 214to apply full clutch to the take-up reel 37. The system is now moving inhigh speed forward with drag brake applied to the feed reel 27 and fullclutch to the take-up reel 37. There are no signals fed to the capstanclutch or brake, meaning that neither is engaged. The capstan 30 isfree-wheeling.

When the search command flip-flop 192 is triggered, a signal of constantlevel is generated at its output b which is fed through a conductor 219and a conductor 220 to the input a of an AND gate 222. The signal on theconductor 219 is also fed through a conductor 223 to the input a of anAND gate 225. The purposes for the AND gates 222 and 225 will behereinafter described.

The machine is now running in high speed forward. As the film moves pastthe cell array 38, the cell array 38 reads each code column and sendssignals corresponding to the code of each code column through a cable230 and a cable 231, to the input b of the exclusive comparator circuit104. The cell array 38 also sends signals from its two lower photocellsthat distinguish between timing marks 25 and document marks 26. In thisway the machine knows whether it is in a code field or a document field,and the code column it is reading. The exclusive comparator circuit 104compares these signals with those programmed from the code selectioncircuit 71.

Assume that there is correspondence between the programmed code and thecode of one of the code columns in the film roll. When the cell array 38reads this code column it will generate signals through the cables 230and 231 to the input b of the exclusive comparator circuit 104. Theexclusive comparator circuit will recognize this correspondence and willgenerate a HIT signal which is fed through a conductor 232 to the inputb of the AND gate 222. With signals on each of the inputs a and b of theAND gate 222, the AND gate 222 is enabled causing a signal to be fedthrough a conductor 239, a conductor 24, the OR gate 136, and theconductor 137 to the low speed input of the flipflop 138 placing theflip-flop 138 and the machine in the low speed condition. The signal onthe conductor 239 is also fed through a conductor 241 and a conductor242 to the high voltage brake pulser 107.

With the film moving at approximately inches per second, and thedistance between the last of a series of code columns and the nextdocument being only to inch, the prior art devices were incapable ofrecognizing correspondence between a code column and the programmed codeand then stop the machine with the next document centered in thedocument window 34 without first overrunning the document. Hence, theprior art devices either do not have random access capability, or theyoverrun the document, measure the overrun, and then back up to thedocument in low speed.

The system of this invention provides a means for stopping the machineon the next document without overrunning the document. It has been foundthat with application of rated voltage on the brake windings of the feedreel 27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37, the reaction time of thebrakes is too slow, causing the film to overrun the document. However,by this invention it is recognized that the reaction time of the brakescan be greatly increased by applying a relatively high voltage for ashort period of time. For example, if the rate of voltage is 28 volts,the amplitude of the applied pulse might be approximately 48 volts.Because the high voltage pulse is applied for only a few miliseconds thebrake windings are not damaged. Hence, the purpose of the high voltagepulse is .to instantaneously kill the inertia in the system when a HITsignal is generated. This will allow the machine to quickly go into lowspeed and then stop on the next document without overrunning thedocument and without damage to the brake windings. This featurerepresents a vast improvement over the prior art.

The high voltage brake pulser 107 is a circuit that when triggered,generates at its output a single pulse approximately 100 miliseconds inwidth and with an amplitude considerably greater than the rated voltageof the brake winding, e.g. 48 volts, where the rated voltage is 28volts. 7

With the high voltage brake pulser 107 triggered, the high voltage pulseis fed through a conductor 245, a conductor 246, the OR gate 184 and theconductor 185 to apply full brake to the take-up reel 37. The highvoltage pulse on the conductor 245 is also fed through a conductor 247,a conductor 248, the OR gate 181, and the conductor 182 to apply thebrake to the capstan 30. The high voltage pulse on the conductor 247 isalso fed through a conductor 250, the OR gate 177, and the conductor 178to apply full brake to the feed reel 27. Each of these brakes will beapplied in full for the duration of the high voltage pulse. As may berecalled, the HIT signal from the exclusive comparator circuit 104 hassimultaneously placed the flip-flop 138 in the low speed conditionwhich, as heretofore described, applies drag brake to the feed reel 27,clutch to the capstan 30, and drag clutch to the take-up reel 37.However, the high voltage pulse will override .these other signals andfor the duration of the pulse will apply full brake to the feed. reel27', capstan 30, and take-up reel 37. At the end of the pulse the fullbrakes will be released and the system will go into its standard, lowspeed forward condition.

Now that correspondence has been recognized between a particular codecolumn and the programmed code, a HIT signal has been generated, thehigh voltage pulser 107 has applied full brake to the system for a shortperiod of time greatly slowing down the system, and the system is now inlow speed forward, the system will stop at the next document just as itstopped at the first document when the cartridge was loaded. In thisregard, it will be recalled that whenever the system is in low speed,the signal on the output conductor 139 of the flip-flop 138 is fedthrough the conductor 142 to the input a of the AND gate 143. The otherinput b, to the AND gate 143 will receive a signal whenever the centercell 39 recognizes a document in the document window 34. When thisoccurs, the output signal from the AND gate 143 is fed through theconductor 173, the OR gate 174 and the conductor 151 to enable the stopcircuit 150. This will cause full brake to be applied to the feed reel27, capstan 30, and take-up reel 37, stopping the system as heretoforedescribed.

It should be emphasized that from the time the cell array 38 recognizedthe corresponding code column, to the time the machine stopped on thenext document as just described, the film went from a speed of about125-150 inches per second to a stop condition while traveling a distanceof as little as as inch. As can be With both inputs a and b enabled, asignal will be fed through a conductor 153, an OR gate 254, and aconductor 255 to the clear input of the search command flip-flop 192,clearing and resetting the flip-flop 192. Clearing the flip-flop 192,removes the signals on the outputs a and b that clear the stop circuit150, place the system in high speed forward, and enable the AND gates222 and 225. The purpose for the AND gate 222 is to prevent a HIT signalfrom placing the system in low speed unless it is also in the searchmode. There are other modes (fast forward, fast reverse, space forward,space back, rewind, etc.) where the film is moving past the cell arrayand HIT signals are generated, but where the system should not stop. TheAND gate 222 makes a HIT signal ineffective except during the searchmode.

PRINT Now that the film is stopped on a document, the document can beprinted. This can be accomplished in two ways. One way is to simplypress and release the print button 91. Pressing the print button 91sends a strobe through a conductor 256, an OR gate 257, and a conductor258 to the input of a printer control circuit 259. The printer controlcircuit 259 has three outputs a,b, and c. When the printer controlcircuit 259 is triggered by the input signal, signals appear at theoutputs a and b. The signal at the output b is fed through a conductor262 to a mirror flip solenoid 263. The mirror flip solenoid 263 flips amirror to project the image of the document onto print paper. The signalat the output a is fed through a conductor 264 to the printer 265. Theprinter 265 includes all of the printing apparatus for making the print,such as the exposure time control, the print paper drive, and so on. Italso includes means for feeding the finished print out of a suitableslot in the machine to the operator. After the print cycle is complete,the printer control circuit 259 generates a signal at its output 0 whichis fed through a conductor 266, the OR gate 145, and the conductor'146to clear the stop circuit 150, clearing the brakes on the feed reel 27,capstan 30, and take-up reel 37 and removing the clear signal from thesearch command circuit flipflop 192.

Now that the print is complete, operation of the machine may becontinued in any one of several modes.

AUTO-PRINT An alternative to the manual print mode is the autoprintmode. Auto-print is used where it is desirable to search an entire rollof film printing all documents corresponding to the programmed codeautomatically. To operate the machine in this mode, theauto-print button98 is pressed and released, usually after the film cartridge is loadedand the machine is stopped on the first document; however, this mode canalso be initiated anytime the machine is in the search mode. Supposethevmachine is stopped on the first document. The auto-print button 98is pressed and then the search button 90, placing the machine in thesearch mode. When the auto-print button is pushed a strobe is fedthrough a conductor 280 to an auto-print flip-flop 281. The signal onthe conductor 280 triggers the auto-print flip-flop 281, producing anoutput signal which is fed through a conductor 284 and a conductor 285to the input c of the AND gate 225. Whenever the system is stopped, theoutput signal from the stop circuit 150 is fed through the conductors152,153, and 208, through a conductor 286, a conductor 287, a conductor288, and a conductor 289 to enable the input b of the AND gate 225. Asheretofore described, whenever the search command-flip-flop'192 isenabled, the output signal on the output b of the flip-flop 192 is fedthrough the conductors 219 and 223 to the input a of the AND gate 225.Therefore, each of the inputs a,b, and c of the AND gate 225 are enabledonly when the system is in auto-print, when it is stopped, and when thesearch command circuit flip-flop 192 is enabled. If it were not for thislast requirement, the machine would go into auto-print when, after it isloaded, it stops on the first document.

In the other operating modes, as soon as the machine stops after beingin search, the search flip-flop 192 is automatically cleared by thesignal on the conductor 255 from the stop circuit 150. If this were truein the auto-print mode, when the machine stops there would be no signalon the conductor 223 to the input a of the AND gate 225 and the AND gate225 would not be enabled. Therefore, there is a conductor 290 thatcarries a signal from the conductor 284, at the output of the auto-printflip-flop 281, which is fed through a conductor 291 to the invertedinput a of the AND gate 252. Because of the inverted input a, wheneverthe system is in auto-print the AND gate 252 will be disabled and therewill be no signal on the output conductor 253 to clear the searchcommand circuit flip-flop 192. Therefore, in auto-print the flip-flop192 will not be cleared after the machine is stopped. Hence, withsignals on each of the inputs a,b, and c of the AND gate 225, the ANDgate 225 is enabled and a signal is fed through a conductor 294, the ORgate 257, and the conductor 258 to trigger the printer control circuit259. This will activate the print cycle as heretofore described.

At the completion of the print cycle a print complete signal at theoutput c of the printer control circuit 259 will be fed through theconductor 266, the OR gate 145 and the conductor 146 to clear the stopcircuit 150. Because the system was in low speed forward just before thefilm was stopped, as soon as the stop circuit 150 is cleared,disengaging the brakes, the system will again move in low speed forwardstopping on the next document in the series. Since the system is stillin autoprint, this document will be printed as heretofore describedafter which it will again go into low speed forward stopping at the nextdocument.

This sequence will continue until the last document in a given series isprinted. When this happens, the cell array 38 will no longer be in adocument field but will be in a code field. The system will go into lowspeed forward again, but as soon as the cell array 38 recognizes atiming mark 25, which will be after the film has traveled only afraction of an inch, the cell array will send signals through the cable230 and a cable 295 to trigger a timing mark recognition circuit 296.The timing mark recognition circuit 296 will then generate a signal atits output which is fed through a conductor 297 to the input a of an ANDgate 298. The AND gate 298 has an input c connected by a conductor 299to the conductor 290 which carries the output signal from the auto-printflip-flop 281. The input c of the AND gate 298 is enabled whenever theauto-print mode is activated. A third input b of the AND gate 298 isconnected by a conductor 300 to the output of a stop delay flip-flop301. The stop delay flip-flop 301 has a clock pulse input and a clearinput. When a signal appears at the clock pulse input, there is nooutput signal from the stop delay flip-flop 301. When a signal appearsat the clear input, there is a signal on the output. The clear input ofthe stop delay flip-flop 301 is connected by a conductor 302 to theconductor 288 which carries the output signal from the stop circuit 150.The clock pulse input is connected by a conductor 303 to the conductor241 which carries the HIT signal from the output of the AND gate 222.Therefore, as soon as the system stops on a document, a stop signal willbe fed through the conductors 288 and 302 to clear the stop delayflip-flop 301, generating an output signal at the output of theflip-flop 301 which is carried through the conductor 300 to the input bof the AND gate 298. In the meantime the input c of the AND gate 298 isenabled by virtue of being in the auto-print mode. When the print iscompleted, the system proceeds in low speed forward until the cell array38 recognizes a timing mark. This enables the input a of the AND gate298. With each of the inputs a,b, and c to the AND gate 298 enabled, asignal is fed through a conductor 304, the OR gate 197, and theconductor 198 to the high speed input of the flip-flop 138, placing theflip-flop 138 in the high speed condition. The system immediately goesinto the search mode.

Therefore, one of the purposes of the stop delay flipflop 301 is toenable the AND gate 298 so that the system will resume high speed searchas soon as the cell array 38 recognizes a timing mark 25. However, theflip-flop 301 has another purpose. Suppose a HIT signal is generatedfrom one of a series of code columns so that the timing marks 25 ofanother code column passes the cell array 38 before the next document.The timing mark recognition circuit 296 will generate a signal at theconductor 297 every time one of these timing marks passes, even though aHIT has already been generated. The signal on the conductor 297 tends toput the system in high speed forward, but as previously stated, when aHIT is generated, the system is to go into low speed forward and thenstop. The stop delay flipflop 301 prevents the system from going intohigh speed after a HIT signal is generated, but before the system stopson the next document. As previously explained, when the exclusivecomparator circuit 104 generates a HIT signal, it is fed through theconductor 232, the AND gate 222, and the conductors 239 and 241 to thehigh voltage brake pulser 107. The HIT signal on the conductor 241 isalso fed through the conductor 303 to the clock pulse input of the stopdelay flip-flop 301. This will place a zero signal condition at theoutput of the flip-flop 301 which will disable the input b to the ANDgate 298, preventing the system from going into high speed.

With the system again in high speed search, it will continue to searchthe code columns on the film strip for more HITs. If another HIT signalis generated, the system will automatically stop and print that seriesof documents after which it will again go back into high speed search,and so on until the last code column on the film is read. This, ineffect, completes the auto-print mode sequence.

Regardless of whether the auto-print mode or one of the manual modes isused, the machine can be operated to search completely through the rollof film.

END OF FILM There is spaced from the last document on the film andendof-film code column 304. This code column is chosen to read -15-15,(all bits 55-66 used) so as to not to be confused with a programmedcode. In addition to using bits 55-66 the utility bit 54 is also used.Just before hitting the end-of-film column, the machine could be ineither high speed search or low speed. It would be in low speed,,forexample, if the machine had stopped on the last document or had been inauto-print or single image forward. In either case, when the cell array38 reads the end-of-film column 304, a signal is fed through theconductor 230 and a conductor 31] which triggers an end-of-film circuit312. A signal is generated at the output of the end-of-film circuit 312which is fed through a conductor 313, a conductor 314, a conductor 315an OR gate 316, and a conductor 317 to the reverse input of theflip-flop 120, placing the flipflop 120 in the reverse condition. Withthe flip-flop 120 in the reverse condition, a signal is fed through anoutput conductor 320, and a conductor 321, to the input a of an AND gate322. The end-of-film signal on the conductor 314 is also fed through aconductor 323, the OR gate 197, and the conductor 198. to the high speedinput of the flip-flop 138, placing the flip-flop 138 in the high speedcondition. A signal is then fed through the conductor 199 and aconductor 324, to the input b of the AND gate 322. The AND gate 322 alsohas an inverted input c which is connected to the conductor 287 by aconductor 325. Just as with the AND gates 133 and 201, the invertedinput 0 of the AND gate 322 will be enabled whenever the stop circuit150 is cleared, which is whenever the system is in motion. With each ofthe input a,b, and c of the AND gate 322 enabled, a signal is fedthrough a conductor 326, a conductor 327, the OR gate 170 and theconductor 171 to apply full clutch to the feed reel 27. The signal onthe conductor 326 is also fed through a conductor 328, an OR gate 329,and a conductor 330 to apply drag brake to the take-up reel 37. Thesystem is now in high speed reverse, as shown in the chart of FIG. 6.

The signal on the conductor 323 is also fed through a conductor 331, theOR gate 254, and the conductor 255 to clear the search command flip-flop192.

With full clutch applied to the feed reel 27, no clutch or brake appliedto the capstan 30, and drag brake applied to the take-upreel 37, theend-of-film signal on the conductor 313 is also fed through a conductor335, an OR gate 336, and a conductor 337 to the clear input of theauto-print flip-flop 281, clearing the auto-print flip-flop 281, andtaking the system out of the autoprint mode. Also, with the searchcommand flip-flop cleared the AND gate 222 is disabled so that HITsignals from the exclusive comparator circuit 104 will not cause thesystem to stop. Hence, in this condition, the machine will continue inhigh speed reverse until it recognizes the beginning of the film.

BEGINNING OF FILM Assuming the operator has not pressed the unloadswitch 99, the machine. will rewind until it recognizes thebeginning-of-film code column 338. This column is spaced prior to thefirst code field on the film and is exactly the same as the end of filmcode column 304, except the utility bit 54 is not used. When the cellarray 38 reads the beginning-of-film code column 338, a signal is fedthrough the conductor 230 and a conductor 340 to a beginning-of-filmcircuit 341. A signal is generated at the output of thebeginning-of-film circuit 341 which is fed through a conductor 342 tothe input a of an AND gate 343. The AND gate 343 has an inverted input bwhich is connected by a conductor 344 to the output of an unload circuitwhich will be hereinafter described. At this point it is sufficient toknow that as long as the unload switch 99 has not been pressed, there isno signal on the conductor 344 and both inputs a and b ofthe AND gate343 are enabled. A

signal is, therefore, fed through a conductor 345, a conductor 346, theOR gate 117 and the conductor 118 to the forward input of the flip-flop120, placing the flipflop 120 in the forward condition. The signal onthe UNLOAD Rather than searching the film again, the operator may wishto rewind all of the film and unload the film cartridge. This isaccomplished by pressing and releasing the unload switch 99. When theunload switch 99 is pressed, a strobe is fed through a conductor 350 toa set input of an unload circuit 351. By setting the unload circuit 351,a signal is fed through a conductor 352, and the conductor 344 to theinverted input b of the AND gate 343. This will disable the AND gate343, preventing the machine from going into low speed forward when itrecognizes the beginning of film code column 338. The machine willcontinue to rewind past the beginning of film code column 338 until allof the film is back in the cartridge.

After all of the film is in the cartridge, the cartridge isautomatically ejected. To be certain that all of the film is rewoundonto the cartridge, the capstan 30, which is free-wheeling at high speedand which is driven solely by the movement of the film, is used as anindication of not only the speed of the film but the presence or absenceof it. Therefore, in rewind, when the beginning of the film has gonepast the capstan 30, the capstan will immediately slow down and stop.

Mounted to the pinch roller 31 of the capstan 30 is a small disc 355having a series of holes 356 equally spaced around its periphery (FIGS.7 and 8). Mounted in alignment with these holes is a light source 357 onone side of the disc 355, and a photocell 358 on the other. As thecapstan 30, and hence the disc 355, rotates, the photocell 358 generatespulses which are fed through a conductor 370 to the trigger input of thecapstan motion monostable multivibrator 105. The monostablemultivibrator 105 has outputs Q and Q. Each time the multivibrator 105is triggered by the pulses from the photocell 358, a positive pulse offixed width is generated at the Q output and a negative pulse of thesame width is generated at the Q output. The Q output pulses are fedthrough a conductor 373 to the film motion integrator 106, to charge acapacitor which is part of the integrator circuitry. As long as the filmmotion integrator 106 receives these pulses there is no signal at itsoutput. The output of the film motion integrator 106 is connected by aconductor 375 to the input a of an AND gate 376. Therefore, as long asthe capstan 30 is rotating, the AND gate 376 is' inhibited and therewill be no signal at its output. The AND gate 376 has an input bconnected by a conductor 377 to the output conductor 352 of the unloadcircuit 351. When the beginning of the film moves past the capstan 30,the capstan 30 will stop and the pulse output from the capstan motionmonostable multivibrator 105 will stop producing constant width pulsescausing the film motion integrator 106 to go to zero volts and generatea signal at its output which is fed through the conductor 375 enablingthe input a of the AND gate 376. With each of the inputs a and b of theAND gate 376 enabled a signal is fed through a conductor 378 to actuatea magazine unlock solenoid 379. This will cause the film cartridge toeject from the feed reel, which will also release the magazine insertswitch 110. With the magazine insert switch 110 released, a signal isfed through a conductor 380 and a conductor 381 to the clear input ofthe unload circuit 351, clearing the unload circuit 351, i.e.re-enabling the magazine lock mechanism so that a new cartridge can beinserted. The signal on the conductor 380 is also fed through aconductor 382, the OR gate 174, and the conductor 151 to the stopcircuit 150, stopping the machine as heretofore described.

FILM SPEED CONTROL In the search mode if the speed of the film isallowed to exceed the prescribed upper limit (about 125-450 inches persecond) by very much, as when the diameter of the film roll on thetake-up reel 37 becomes large, even the high voltage brake pulser willbe unable to reduce the inertia in the system sufficiently to stop thefilm without overrunning the next document. Therefore, the system ofthis invention includes a means for controlling the film speed.

Because the capstan is free-wheeling in either high speed forward orhigh speed reverse, it is a direct indication of film speed. Therefore,the same disc 355, light source 357, photocell 358, and capstan motionmonostable multivibrator is used to control the film speed as was usedto indicate when the film was completely rewound on the film cartridge.It should be recalled that the capstan motion monostable multivibrator105 generates a negative pulse of fixed width at its Q output each timea hole 356 in the capstan disc 355 moves past the photocell 358. Therate of these pulses will, therefore, increase as the capstan speedincreases. Hence, the rate of these pulses is a direct measure of thefilm speed. The negative Q output pulses are fed through a conductor 390to the input b of the AND gate 213. It should be recalled that it is thesignal on the other input a of the AND gate 213 that enables this ANDgate to send a signal through the conductor 214 to apply full clutch tothe take-up reel during high speed forward. Each time a negative pulseappears at the input b of the AND gate 213, the AND gate 213 is disabledfor the duration of the pulse. If these pulses are not too frequent, theAND gate will maintain sufficient voltage on the take-up clutch windingto hold the take-up reel 37 in the full clutch condition. But, whenthese pulses become too frequent, as when the film speed increases overthe prescribed rate, the clutch coil voltage will drop off and thetake-up clutch will begin to operate as a drag clutch or even disengage.With the take-up clutch disengaged or dragging, the take-up reel willbegin to slow down since there is drag brake on the feed spool, causingthe film to slow down. As the film slows to the prescribed speed, thepulse rate decreases and the engagement of the take-up clutch increases.The engagement and disengagement of the take-up reel clutch willcontinue to accurately control the speed of the film. Because the speedcontrol circuit affects only the full clutch signal to the take-up reel37, the speed control system only operates in the fast forward directionwhich includes the search mode, the only mode from which it is necessaryto stop on a document. For this described embodiment the film speed isnot critical in the high speed reverse mode and is not controlled.

SPACE FORWARD SPACE BACKWARD In addition to the print mode and theautomatic modes there are certain other manual modes that can be used.There are times when it is desirable to move the film only a smallincrement, less than the distance between the documents in a series.This can be accomplished by pressing and releasing either the spaceforward switch 94, or space back switch 95. When the space forwardswitch 94 is pressed, a strobe is fed through a conductor 400, aconductor 401, the OR gate 117, and the conductor 118 to the forwardinput of the flip-flop 120 placing the flip-flop 120 in the forwardcondition. The signal on the conductor 400 is also fed through aconductor 402, an OR gate 403, and a conductor 404 to a space circuit405. The space circuit 405 has two outputs a and b. When the circuit 405is triggered by the pulse on the conductor 404, a pulse is generated atthe output a but not theoutput b. After a fraction of a second haspassed, a pulse is generated at the output b but not the output a.Therefore, when the circuit 405 is triggered, a pulse is fed through aconductor 406, a conductor 407, the OR gate 136, and the conductor 137to the low speed input of the flip-flop 138, placing the flip-flop 138in the low speed condition. The system is now in low speed forward. Thepulse on the conductor 406 is also fed through a conductor 408, the ORgate 145, and the conductor 146 to clear the stop circuit 150. Thesystem will then move in low speed forward until the pulse is generatedat the output b of the space circuit 405 which is timed so that the filmmoves only a fraction of an inch. When the pulse is generated at theoutput b of the space circuit405, it is fed through a conductor 409, theOR gate 174, and the conductor 151 to the stop circuit 150, stopping thesystem. Each time the space forward button is pushed, the system willmove a small increment.

When the space back button 95 is pushed, a strobe is fed through aconductor 410, a conductor 411, the OR gate 403, and the conductor 404to the space circuit 405. The space circuit 405 functions in the samemanner as with the space forward button 94. The strobe on the conductor410 is also fed through a conductor 412, the OR gate 316, and theconductor 317 to the reverse input of the flip-flop 120, placing theflipflop 120 in the reverse condition. With the flip-flop 120 in thereverse condition a signal is passed through the conductor 320 and aconductor 415 to the input a of an AND gate 416. The b input of the ANDgate 416 is connected by a conductor 417 and the conductors 140 and 139to the low speed output of the flip-flop 138. The AND gate 416 has aninverted input c connected by a conductor 418 and the conductors286,208,153 and 152 to the output of the stop circuit 150. Just as withthe AND gates 133, 201 and 322, the AND gate 416 will be enabled onlywhen the stop circuit 150 is cleared as is the case whenever the film isin motion. With the stop circuit 150 cleared and the machine in lowspeed reverse, each of the inputs a,b, and c to the AND gate 416 isenabled. With the AND gate 416 enabled a signal is fed through aconductor 420 and a conductor 421 to apply drag clutch to the feed reel27. The signal on the conductor 420 is also fed through a conductor 422,the OR gate 162, and the conductor 163 to apply clutch to the capstan30. The signal on the conductor 420 is also fed through a conductor 423,the OR gate 329, and the conductor 330 to apply drag brake to thetake-up reel 37. Therefore, each time the space back button 95 ispressed, the system will move in the low speed reverse direction a smallincrement.

HIGH SPEED FORWARD HIGH SPEED REVERSE The operator may wish to move thefilm in high speed forward or high speed reverse only a given distance.This can be accomplished by use of the fast forward button 96 or fastreverse button 97. When one of these buttons is pressed and held, themachine will travel in either high speed forward or high speed reverse.With the switch released, the machine will go into low speed and stop.When the fast forward button 96 is pressed, a single strobe is fedthrough a conductor 430, the conductor 434, the OR gate 117 and theconductor 118 to the forward input of the flip-flop 120, placing theflip-flop 120 in the forward condition. The signal on the conductor 430is also fed through a conductor 435, a conductor 436, the OR gate 197,and the conductor 198 to the high speed input of the flip-flop 138,placing the flip-flop 138 in the high speed condition. The signal on theconductor 435 is also fed through a conductor 437, the OR gate 438, aconductor 439, the OR gate 145, and the conductor 146 to clear the stopcircuit 150. The system is now in high speed forward and will continuein high speed forward until either the end-of-film code column 304 isrecognized, or the fast forward button 96 is released. If theend-of-film code column 304 is recognized, the machine automaticallygoes into the rewind mode as heretofore described. If the fast forwardbutton 96 is released a single strobe is fed through a conductor 440, anOR gate 441, a conductor 442, the OR gate 136, and the conductor 137 tothe low speed input of the flipflop 138, placing the flip-flop 138 inthe low speed condition. This will cause the machine to stop at the nextdocument as heretofore described.

When the fast reverse button 97 is pressed, a strobe is fed through aconductor 445, a conductor 449, the OR gate 316, and the conductor 317to the reverse input of the flip-flop 120, placing the flip-flop 120 inthe reverse condition. The signal on the conductor 445 is also fedthrough a conductor 450, a conductor 451, the OR gate 197, and theconductor 198 to the high speed input of the flip-flop 138, placing theflip-flop 138 in the high speed condition. The signal on the conductor450 is also fed through a conductor 452, the OR gate 438, the conductor439, the OR gate 145, and the conductor l46 to clear the stop circuit150. The system is now in high speed reverse and will continue in highspeed reverse until either the beginning-of-film code column 338 isrecognized or the fast reverse button is released. If thebeginning-of-film code columns 338 is recognized and the unload mode isnot activated,'the system will go into low speed forward, stopping onthe first document as heretofore described. If the fast reverse button97 is released, a single strobe is fed through a conductor 460, the ORgate 441, the conductor 442, the OR gate 136, and the conductor 137 tothe low speed input of the flip-flop 138, placing the flipflop 138 inthe low speed condition. This will cause the machine to go into lowspeed and stop at the next document as heretofore described.

When using the fast forward or fast reverse modes it is possible thatthe machine will not stop directly on a document. Because the purpose ofthese modes is not to recognize code columns, the high voltage brakesystem is not used as in the search mode. Therefore, when the fastforward or fast reverse button is released the machine may be so closeto a document that the ordinary braking system will not be able to stopthe machine directly on the next document. It may run past the document.This is of no consequence, however, since the operator, in using thesemodes is not looking to accurately position documents. He is only movingthe film along in one direction or another. A document could be centeredin the document window, however, by using the appropriate space switch94 or or 1 switch 92 or 93.

REWIND The operator can rewind the film at any time by pressing andreleasing the rewind button 100. When the rewind button is pressed, astrobe is fed

1. A film reader for use with film having a plurality of document imagesthereon and code means before each document image or series of documentimages, the code means comprising one or more code variations each ofwhich relates to the document images immediately following, the readercomprising means for driving the film at a relatively high speed in agiven direction, means for programming a selected code variation; meansfor reading each code variation on the film, exclusive comparator meansresponsive to the programming means and the reading means forrecognizing correspondence between the programmed code variation and thecode variations on the film, means responsive to the comparator meanswhen correspondence is recognized for instantaneously applying anextreme braking force to the film drive means instantaneously reducingthe film speed to a relatively low speed in the same direction, andmeans for stopping the film on the next document without overrunning thedocument.
 2. The film reader of claim 1 including means for controllingthe relatively high film speed to within predetermined limits.
 3. Thefilm reader of claim 2 wherein the speed control means includes meansfor sensing the speed of the film, and means responsive to the sensingmeans for disengaging the film drive means until the film speed isslowed to a predetermined rate.
 4. The film reader of claim 3 whereinthe sensing means and the means responsive to said sensing means includea disc associated with the drive means, means for rotating the disc at aspeed directly related to the speed of the film, the disc having equallyspaced holes around its periphery, a light source aligned to transmitlight successively through each of the holes as the disc rotates, aphotosensitive means aligned with the light source on the other side ofthe holes to receive the light successively transmitted therethrough asthe disc rotates, the photosensitive means generating an electricalsignal each time a hole passes between the light source and thephotosensitive means, means for generating a pulse of fixed width inresponse to each signal from said photosensitive means whereby the rateof these pulses is directly related to the speed of the film, and meansresponsive to the rate of these pulses for disengaging said film drivemeans when the pulse rate exceeds a predetermined value.
 5. The filmreader of claim 4 wherein the film drive means includes a motor, a filmtake-up means, the take-up means having associated therewith a clutchfor engagement and disengagement of the take-up means with the motor,and means responsive to the pulse rate, for disengaging the clutch whenthe pulse rate exceeds a predetermined value.
 6. The film reader ofclaim 1 wherein the extreme braking means includes electromagneticbraking means associated with the drive means, and means responsive tothe exclusive comparator means when correspondence is recognized forinstantaneously applying a relatively narrow-high voltage pulse to theelectromagnetic braking means.
 7. The film reader of claim 6 includingmeans for controlling the relatively high film speed to withinpredetermined limits.
 8. The film reader of claim 7 wherein the filmspeed is controlled not to exceed a speed of approximately 125 - 150inches per second.
 9. The film reader of claim 6 wherein the amplitudeof the high voltage pulse is substantially higher than the rated voltageof the electromagnetic braking means.
 10. The film reader of claim 6including a document mark associated with each document image, and meansresponsive to the document mark associated with the document image nextfollowing a corresponding code variation for stopping the film on thenext document image, after correspondence is recognized and the highvoltage pulse is applied.
 11. The film reader of claim 1 wherein thehigh speed film rate is at least 100 inches per second.
 12. A method ofreading a film, the film having a plurality of document images thereonand code means before each document image or series of document images,the code means comprising one or more code variations each of whichrelates to the document images immediately following, comprising thesteps of driving the film at a relatively high speed in a givendirection, comparing a selected code variation with the code variationson the film, instantaneously applying an extreme braking force to thefilm drive when correspondence between the selected code and a codevariation on the film is recognized to slow the film with the filmmoving in the same direction, said applying step comprising generating arelatively narrow-high voltage pulse when correspondence is recognizedbetween the selected code and a code variation on the film, and applyingthe pulse to electromagnetically brake the film to slow the film andstopping the film on the next document without overrunning the document.13. The film reader of claim 12 wherein the high speed film rate is atleast 100 inches per second.
 14. A method of reading a film, the filmhaving a plurality of document images thereon and code means before eachdocument image or series of document images, the code means comprisingone or more code variations each of which relates to the document imagesimmediately following, comprising the steps of driving the film at arelatively high speed in a given direction, comparing a selected codevariation with the code variations on the film, instantaneously applyingan extreme braking force to the film drive when correspondeNce betweenthe selected code and a code variation on the film is recognized, saidapplying step comprising generating a relatively narrow-high voltagepulse when correspondence between the selected code and code variationof the film is recognized, applying the pulse to instantaneously reducethe speed of the film to a relatively low speed, driving the film atthis relatively low speed for a finite distance in the same direction itwas traveling at the relatively high speed, and then stopping the filmon the next document without overrunning the document.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the close proximity of some of the code variations onthe film to their related document images is such that the totaldistance the film travels after correspondence is recognized until itstops on the next document may be less than one inch.
 16. A film readerfor use with film having a plurality of document images thereon and codemeans before each document image or series of document images, the codemeans comprising one or more code variations each of which relates tothe document images immediately following, the reader comprising meansfor driving the film at a relatively high speed, means for programming aselected code variation, means for reading each code variation on thefilm, exclusive comparator means responsive to the programming means andthe reading means for generating a HIT signal when correspondencebetween the programmed code variation and a code variation on the filmis obtained, electromagnetic braking means associated with the drivemeans, means responsive to the HIT signal for generating a relativelynarrow-high voltage pulse, the amplitude of the pulse being highrelative to the rated voltage of the electromagnetic braking means,means for applying the high voltage pulse to the electromagnetic brakingmeans, and means for stopping the film on the next document after thehigh voltage pulse is applied without overrunning the document.
 17. Thefilm reader of claim 16 wherein the width of the high voltage pulse isapproximately between 1 and 100 miliseconds.
 18. The film reader ofclaim 16 wherein the close proximity of some of the code variations onthe film to their related document images is such that the distance thefilm travels after an HIT signal is generated until it stops on the nextdocument may be less than one inch.
 19. The film reader of claim 16including means for controlling the relatively high film speed to withinpredetermined limits.
 20. The film of claim 16 wherein the high speedfilm rate is at least 100 inches per second.